Land & people
Area: 796,095 sq km
Population (July 2007 est.): 164.74 million
Capital: Islamabad
Languages: English is the official language and Urdu national language. Regional languages include Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pushto
GDP per capita (2007 est.): $2,600
Pakistan is situated in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, and borders Iran on the west, India in the east, Afghanistan in the north and northwest and the People's Republic of China in the northwest to northeast. A land of many splendours, Pakistan's scenery changes from coastal beaches, lagoons and mangrove swamps in the south to sandy deserts, desolate plateaus, fertile plains and dissected upland in the middle and high mountains with beautiful valleys, snow-covered peaks and glaciers in the north.
The country's terrain includes the flat Indus plain in the east, mountains in the north and northwest, Balochistan plateau in the west and desert in the south.
Administratively, Pakistan is divided into four provinces (Balochistan, North West Frontier Province, Punjab and Sindh), one territory (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), and one capital territory (Islamabad Capital Territory). Its largest cities include Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala.
Useful addresses
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
P.O. Box 846, Diplomatic Enclave, Abu Dhabi
Tel: 02-4447800
Fax: 02-4447172
E-mail: pakem@emirates.net.ae
Consulate General of Pakistan
P.O. Box 340, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Bur Dubai
Tel: 04-3973600/3970412
Fax: 04-3971975
E-mail: parepdub@emirates.ae
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC)
Head office, 22-A, Saeed Plaza, Blue Area, Jinnah Avenue,
Islamabad – 44000
Tel: +92-51-9203772
Fax: +92-51-9207427
Email: info@tourism.gov.pk
Website: www.tourism.gov.pk
Passport/visa
Visitors to Pakistan need a valid passport and visa. Please contact the nearest Pakistan embassy/consulate or high commission for detailed information on entry requirements.
Credit cards/cash
American Express is the most widely accepted card. MasterCard and Visa are also accepted. Diners Club and other cards have more limited use in the country. There are ATMs in all major cities. Visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in dollars or pounds sterling, though traveller's cheques in Pakistan rupees can be negotiated.
When to go
The best time to visit southern Pakistan is between November and March, when the days are cool and clear. It is ideal to visit northern Pakistan between April and October.
Getting there
Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are the main gateways to Pakistan by air. The national carrier, Pakistan International (PIA), along with several airlines, offer direct international flights to the country's major airports. Emirates Airlines offers flights to cities such as Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
Accommodation
From star hotels to dak bungalows and rest houses, Pakistan offers a selection of accommodation. PTDC operates some hotels and motels located throughout the country. Pakistan Youth Hostels Association (PYHA) runs a chain of youth hostels in the country where accommodation is available to members.
Shopping
Spend time shopping in the many bazaars. The experience is worth it though you don't buy anything.
Modern shopping centres are coming up in cities. Shop for embroidered items, pashminas (woollen scarves), carpets, marble, pottery, onyx, brass, reproductions of miniature paintings, woodcarvings and inlaid woodwork, copper, fabrics, gold and silver jewellery and local handicrafts.
Cuisine
Eating out in Pakistan is a rich experience as its cuisine is a mixture of the culinary traditions inherited from the Moguls, Turks and the Central Asians.
Pakistani food consists mainly of various kinds of kebabs eaten with either flatbread, collectively referred to as naan, or rice. Food tends to be either mild or very spicy.
Grills and barbecues such as seekh kebab (minced meat grilled on a skewer), shami kebab (minced meat), tikka (barbecued mutton, beef or chicken) and saji (barbecued leg of lamb) are
traditional dishes.
GETTING AROUND
PIA serves numerous domestic destinations and is the only airline serving the airports at Chitral, Gilgit, and Skardu in the north that are of interest to trekkers or climbers. A few private airlines also offer domestic flights.Pakistan Railways operates an extensive rail network, offering several trains linking cities. Travel in air-conditioned coaches is advised.
Extensive bus and minibus services operate in Lahore, Karachi and other towns. Air-conditioned coaches and buses are ideal for long distance tours and advance booking is recommended. Car hire is available, taxis are economical and, by far, the most efficient means of urban travel.
